Britain in Bloom 2008







 

Banbury stands magnificent in colour throughout each year with almost 300 unique floral displays throughout the town, providedby two local authorities, Banbury Town Council and Cherwell District Council.  150 of these hanging baskets are prepared by local primary school children.

 

A framework is now firmly set and although eager to improve on the year before, remains grounded to ensure the town’s community is encouraged and assisted in developing its heritage and culture through horticultural and environmental projects.  A happy town is a town well visited.   

 

Banbury continues to promote the town’s entry into both its regional entry (Thames & Chilterns in Bloom) and the Britain in Bloom entry, of which the town were extremely proud to have gained following the success of 2007 and what a great year to commemorate as Banbury celebrates its 400th Charter.  The historic Banbury Cross has been brought to life with the Banbury Sun sculpture, greeting town folk and visitors as they go about their day.

 

The town is very much community led, from children to octogenarians; there is truly something for all.

Banbury Town Council is forever grateful to the many volunteers, schools, nurseries, community groups and organisations who continue to support the town and its projects or events.   

 

Sustainable planting now plays a large factor and is incorporated in the towns roundabouts and shrub  borders, carefully choosing plants that are drought tolerant.   Both authorities continue in their aim to conserve water where possible and as a result the amount of water used over the past 5 years has reduced by approximately two thirds.  -

  More sustainable planting materials All floral units are now amberol, reducing the use of required watering The use of swell gel in many other baskets Sourced water from a local lake near Banbury

Local community comes together through numerous events and projects organised by Banbury Town Council.   Our environmenl is important to us.   Through these initiatives and projects the town is now becoming more environmentally friendly:   Many of the events are horticultural and floral based, as a result learning new skills, responsibility and confidence, whilst contributing to the towns overall vision.

 

Our Community Garden, situated in the People’s Park, has gradually and confidently built up a medley of volunteers from all walks of life.  The garden is a second home for disability and learning groups who attend on a weekly basis, many are undertaking therapy, beginning to learn again and working as part of a team.   The team has built up a great rapport with each other and under careful guidance have transformed the garden to its current form

An on-going programme has commenced in Banbury’s oldest cemetery, Southam Road.   The Probation Service Team tackled the old section and will visit on a weekly basis.   Many of the unattended graves, dating back to the Victorian era, have been cleared of weeds, self sets and grass within the kerbsets.   Much of the work has unveiled ancient memorials.

 

Banbury is proud to have the continued support and sponsorship from many local businesses, organisations and ‘in-kind sponsorship.   Much of the floral displays and roundabouts proudly carry the sponsor’s name.   Events falling under the Banbury in Bloom ‘umbrella’ also attract valuable support.  The results of this aspect of community support speak for itself.   Any form of sponsorship is always warmly welcomed.

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